TV for the brain-dead.

Looks like at least they’re trying.
Those patches at the base of the Vulcan fin were big holes in October.
Both the Vulcan and the Victor have got bristles stuck over various edges to stop birds perching on them. If they can think of that, what stopped them covering holes up?

Years ago, early 70s, had a boating holiday on the Norfolk Broads with 10 other drunks. Crawled out of the boat one morning and stood on the bank trying to work out if I was still alive. Sound of aeroplanes… Merlins! Spitfire and Hurricane passing overhead on their way home to Coltishall. Didn’t see them very often in those days.

Parents had a static caravan on what was Leiston airfield for 10 years or so from 1977. I used to go there regularly for weekends and the odd week. A10s, always in pairs, overhead all the time. Must have been on the flight path for Woodbridge as they always used the same bit of sky.

After one of the airshows at Hatfield in the early 80s, decided to go for a joyride in some American spamcan. Landed on the runway and started taxying back up it. Pilot hadn’t seen 2 Lightnings growling towards the end of the runway, and us. I said “I suppose they’re just leaving”. He said “J***s C****t!” and turned hard left, just onto the grass. They took off towards St Albans and the first one came back low and fast. The second one was even lower! I’m sure he couldn’t have got the undercart down. We’re still parked a few feet from the runway. Awesome.
My sister lives about 5 miles away, as the Lightning flies, and they heard them take off and leave.

Not actively planning to go, but I should be at the Kit Car show next door on the showground.
If I know there’s going to be a bunch of gentlemen, ladies, reprobates (delete as necessary) present, I can come out early, or go in late come to think of it.

Going to Coventry on Saturday. Ticket price has just frightened the life out of me.

Only been to NEAM once, probably around 8 years ago, and I must say I was extremely underwhelmed with the place. As volunteers come and go, things change but the impression then was of not caring.
Having said that, we should be grateful that they did rescue the Swift. Generally speaking, the Swift was a dog but that particular airframe is important as the the one time world speed record holder, however briefly. They’re also on a hiding to nothing anyway. Where is anybody going to find a set of Swift wings?

The original question can be looked at in two ways. There are the actual historic airframes such as:
Most if not all of the Science Museum displays.
Mosquito prototype.
Vampire at Yeovilton (first jet ever to land on an aircraft carrier)
The remains of the NEAM Swift.
I know there’s loads more but it’s late and you’ll all see what I’m getting at.

On the other hand the Fairey Delta 2 that demolished the world speed record was converted into the BAC 221.
What’s historic, the BAC 221 or the surviving FD2?
The only TSR2 that flew (grrrr, snarl etc) was shot to bits at Shoeburyness. Is XR220 an important aircraft? It never flew.
BTW I know my answer to that. As I’m still livid nearly 40 years later you can probably guess.

Both sides are equally valid. It’s just that the first is purely objective, this airframe did this or that and the other is subjective, i.e. opinions.

The Shackleton certainly appears to be in excellent condition and well looked after. It was only 30p to get in so seemed daft not to. Don’t know how often it’s open. Several signs saying don’t sit on the seats so I assume it’s fairly regular. If it it’s occasional I wouldn’t think it’s worth worrying about wear on the seats.

Vulcan APU again I don’t know how often. Regarding earlier posts about the location, judging by the bloke standing by the starboard main U/C, I guess that’s where it is.
Certainly some of the electrics are live, there was a red flashing light on the underside of the port wing, forward of the U/C. Took a pic but I can’t really see it, and that’s knowing it’s there.

Generally speaking, all the outside aircraft look very well cared for. Heron’s probably the tattiest but I’ve seen lots far worse. Considering looking after externally stored aircraft is a never-ending task they’re doing a very good job.

First time I’ve been for 7 or 8 years probably. No excuse, it’s only 45 minutes away.

As I said, I should be next door to the museum in a few weeks. I’ll try to nip in and photograph everything I can if I get time.

Shackleton cockpit.

Few more while I’m at it.
Sea Vixen.